Dear All,
Have you tried a flute by Carl Bell? His site is on Brad Hurley’s list and as he is the maker most local to me I wonder if you could give me an idea about his flutes. I am not allowed to buy a wooden flute till I can play a bit better (self discipline, eh) but a girl can plan, can’t she. A search for Carl Bell on this site gave no hits.
Thank you
Julia C
Haven’t played his flutes but they look promising on his website.
you should buy one and then tell us how it is! 
Jon
His site is: http://www.carlbell.co.uk/4598.html
I don’t know how they sound/play, but they are attractive looking flutes.
-brett
Or just go there and play a few of them and tell us how they are! 
Mary
Interesting. Any of the UK folks know him?
It’s strange when a maker escapes our notice, isn’t it!
Stuart
Thanks for your comments folks, I’m kind of surprised that no - one seems to have tried them. I’d gladly go try , but I feel a bit lost as I am not (yet!!! I am very determined!!) a very expert player and I’ve not had any opportunity to try out any new craftsman made wood flutes. So my opinion would not be worth a great deal. They do look lovely and full of care and research from what I sense from the site. What do you reckon? How do you appraise a flute if you’re a bit inexperienced? And a bit shy and inhibited in a terribly English sort of way? 
Julia C (trying to drum up some pioneering spirit!)
Julia,
have you considered contacting Mr. Bell and seeing if he has any customers near you that might be willing to recommend & demonstrate one of his flutes?
enjoy! /dan
Dan, that’s a good idea - thanks - I will.
Carl Bell and a couple others were just added to Brad Hurley’s Directory of Flute Makers last month.
Cheers,
Aaron